The best places to watch the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race

4,362 views | March 18th, 2015

The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most exciting in the sailing calendar. It attracts
competitors from across the world, in vessels of all sizes and designs.

Now in its 90th year, the race continues to grow in popularity, with over 300 entrants registering to compete in this year’s event in the first 24 minutes of the system going online.

The 608 nautical mile race always provides some fantastic sailing action as smaller boats rub shoulders with much bigger vessels.

This year’s 380-strong fleet is the biggest in the history of the race, and features yachts from 30ft all the way up to gigantic 130ft Trimarans. If you want to witness the action and spectacle, here are three of the best vantage points along the race route.

Isle of Wight for the Start of Fastnet

To get right in amongst the hustle and bustle of the pre-launch activities, you’ll need to be in Cowes. There will be a safe spectator zone for people who want to watch the entrants go past from their own boats, while on dry land there are several vantage points.

Either Cowes Green, Egypt Esplanade, or the coast of Yarmouth make good spots from which to watch the launches of the race, taking place between 12.00 and 14.00.

Hurst Castle for the Last Glimpse

One of a string of coastal defences built during the reign of Henry VIII, Hurst Castle has many
interesting characteristics. For one, it was the location of Charles I’s imprisonment before he was taken to London for trial and execution.

Passing then needles heading to the Fastnet rock

Passing the needles heading to the Fastnet rock

Located on the opening of the Solent, just three quarters of a mile away from the Isle of Wight, it is beautifully positioned to see the competitors start the race as they depart from Cowes and enter the English Channel.

Plymouth Hoe – Cheer the Heroes Home

After sailing past Cornwall and round the Fastnet Rock, off the coast of Ireland, the race is on to reach the finish line at Plymouth Breakwater.

You need to aim for Plymouth Hoe – or just the Hoe, as the locals call it – a large strip of land along the coast that gives race spectators plenty of space to line up and watch the sailors cross the finishing line.

From the Comfort of Your Sofa

When the ships are out of view they won’t be out of mind and there is an excellent online service that tracks every entrant and gives you their exact position.

The Start of the Fastnet race is always a spectacle to witness

You’ll be amazed how quickly the larger ships complete the course and impressed at the endurance and dedication of the crews of the smaller vessels who take days to reach the finish.

Visit the official website for details on how to watch the Fastnet Race online.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is close, tense, and exciting. The 2013 Fastnet Challenge Cup was awarded to the 33ft Night and Day, sailed by father and son team Pascal and Alexis Loison: the first ever two-handed crew to win. Great or small, each vessel has a genuine chance to win the prize. Who will it be this year?

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Posted by: First Class Sailing